Showing posts with label regency romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label regency romance. Show all posts

The Devil Wears Plaid Review

The Devil Wears Plaid
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The Devil Wears Plaid ReviewThis book is a fun historical romance. Light and fun and full of roguish romance. It starts out in the typical way. Man steals woman to make another suffer, man finds woman surprisingly attractive, woman finds man surprisingly attractive, both find themselves in each others arms and win over the bad man she was about to be married. Now, yes, I did just basically tell you the story, but that formula is as old as perhaps the castle under contention. :) What I liked about this story is that the woman has her own mind and finds strength within her capture. Even though she does rely on Jamie's physical prowess to keep her safe, her wits and inner strength keep her up to the challenge of a bunch of burly men and the highland wilderness. Yes, I liked Emma. She was a good match for Jamie. You don't always find that within these types of stories. I also loved Jamie although there were times I could hit him over the head for being so stubborn.
All in all I give this book 4 stars. It's a fun, light historical romance. If you love a roguish man in a kilt, sexy time in an abandoned church you will enjoy this book.The Devil Wears Plaid Overview

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Once and Always Review

Once and Always
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Once and Always ReviewAlthough I've read all of McNaught's books, I find this one by far one of her best. If you're like me, and enjoy story lines that contain an intense, passionate relationship with not only a strong male character but also a strong female character, then you'll fall inlove with this book the way I did. It's one of her earlier books, and in my opinion one of her most romantic, due to the fact that she focuses in on the relationship more then outside factors like other romance writers tend to do. No, you won't find a murder mystery here, but instead a lovely, intense, sweeping romance. I know, because every time I flip through those pages, I get a tight knot in my stomach and I choke up; thats the sign of a true romance writer. Read this book!Once and Always Overview

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After Dark with a Scoundrel: Lords of Vice Review

After Dark with a Scoundrel: Lords of Vice
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After Dark with a Scoundrel: Lords of Vice ReviewThis is the third book of "Lords of Vice" series, and there are seven of them. Lords of Vice are seven friends, very close, more like brothers. All seven are titled, rich, Rouges, Rakes and Scoundrels and very proud of it. Rules for these men are there in order to be broken.
We meet all of them, (Sin, Vane, Hunter, Saint, Frost, Dare and Reign) in "All Night with a Rogue", where we can't but fall in love with Sin, who is one sick Rogue. I just loved everything about that story. All the characters, the plot, pace, dialogue and humor. In this first book we get a glimpse of each of these men, and we are intrigued with each one. From the beginning, from the first moment our Hero looks into Juliana's eyes, we're hooked. We root for these two and we are rewarded with telling of a wonderful love story.
In the second book "Till Dawn with the Devil" the boys are back and Reign's story is just full of twists and turns and once more we're just lured into their world with a very compelling story in which one more Lord of Vice succumbs to love. Ms. Hawkins yet again did a wonderful job in telling the story of Reign and Sophia. All the characters were very well developed, and we've gotten to know more of our Lords and their lives, and at this point we are well into the series that we need to know more of Dare and Allegra. What happened, how it happened and why it happened?
"After Dark with a Scoundrel" opens with Regan, Frosts sister at fifteen who was basically brought up with the Lords of Vice as brothers. She had a fancy for one in particular, Dare. And here is where I encountered my first problem with this book. Dare is eight years older than Regan, and while at her twenty to his twenty eight, all is well and good, I had a big problem with a twenty three year old dallying with a fifteen year old sister of his best friend. I just didn't buy it. It felt wrong. On top of all that, Frost's only reaction upon finding those two kissing is to send Regan to a Boarding school. Dare gets off scot free. Fast forward, and I mean FAST, five years and we get to meet the little Regan at twenty, back from school and still what? In love, in infatuation with Dare that she set out to seduce him? Yet again, I'm not buying it. As for Dare, at sixteen he falls madly, passionately in love with Allegra, who is his age as well. He loves this girl with all of his heart and soul, and she cheats on him with his older brother Charles, (the future Duke), who has no qualms of getting the stupid chit pregnant and passing her off on his younger brother. When push came to shove, Allegra admits to Charles having fathered her child and in that moment Dare's heart breaks, but still he would have married her, however question still remains if he would have forgiven her.
Eleven years later, we see Dare living with the consequences of this triangle. Allegra's panting for him, demanding his presence, Mrs. Randall wants him for her lover, and Regan is after him also. What's a poor Scoundrel to do, but seduce his friend's sister and never even thinking much of the consequences of the liaison? NOT BUYING IT! NONE!
I wish this story was thought through better. It had so much more to give us. It was rushed, and it suffered. BIG TIME! I wanted to feel the pain of a boy who was mentally abused by his father as well as physically by his brother. A young man who was badly used by a girl who played him falls, who has broken his heart, and afterwards for years played on his sympathies. I wanted to know that at twenty three he knew better than to kiss a girl that was vulnerable and innocent. Yes, I know. He's a Scoundrel. But even though he is, I needed him to have honor. To have shame. He showed none. Frost baffled me as well. He finds out that his best friend takes his sisters virginity, and he coldly throws him out. Really? Seriously? That's it? NOT BUYING IT!
I've anticipated this book for a while and it let me down. I expected more of this story. Dare's story should have been as compelling as the other two. I will buy the next four in the series. At this point I'm invested in these men. I like them. I want to meet the women they fall in love with. I also want to let Ms. Hawkins know that she can do better than this book. I know it. I read the first two books and I LOVED both.
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Whitney, My Love Review

Whitney, My Love
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Whitney, My Love ReviewJudith McNaught utterly shines in this spectacular debut novel that launched her career. WHITNEY, MY LOVE was a delight from start to finish. Never having read the original version of this book, I read the glorious 708 page extended version without ever taking a break. Emerging my self from a blurry-eyed dream that is this novel, I'm pleased to say this classic lives up to it's reputation.
Whitney Stone, a young and impetuous girl believes herself in love with Paul, the recipient of all her youthful feelings and dreams. Her disapproving father deems her behavior inappropriate and she finds herself sent to France with her beloved Aunt and Uncle. These she is allowed to bloom into the beautiful, unique women she is. She finds herself groomed into a lady and becomes the toast of Paris. As she perfects her arts as a lady she deems it time to return home to win the heart of Paul, her childhood sweetheart. Unbeknownst to her, her father has betrothed her to Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore. Her father's uncontrollable debts have wiped out her inheritance and her dowry and the Duke is the answer to his financial difficult.
Whitney, however, wants nothing to do with the Clayton and pursues Paul and finally wins his heart. From there, you'll have to read the story yourself!
There is a disturbing scene in this book that is often times discussed. I'll leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusions and opinions on it. I, however, found this to be a powerful story and enjoyed it immensely. I'm certain I will not forget the names Whitney or Clayton Westmoreland and they will continue to burn in my mind as one of the more stormy and passionate couples I have ever read about it.
One might draw parallels to GONE WITH THE WIND and this novel, However where Scarlet O'Hara does not realize her love for Rhett Butler until it is much too late, Whitney is not so foolish.
Enjoy reading this classic romance! ...Whitney, My Love Overview

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Almost Heaven Review

Almost Heaven
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Almost Heaven ReviewAt the age of 18, I have only read about 30 romance novels, most of which were only "so-so". From the moment I read "Once and Always" by JM, I was in complete and utter awe at her talent; I couldn't seem to get enough of her work! "Almost Heaven", however, is without a doubt my favorite one of them all. The characters are so lovable and seem so REAL, making it almost impossible to put the book down. (even at 2 in the morning on a work day :) Elizabeth is wonderfully witty and intelligent; who knew that this sweet, charming girl possessed such an uncanny knack for bargaining? Ian is definitely the man of my dreams. Yes, he was stubborn and extremely exasperating at times, but he said things to Elizabeth that made ME swoon! This book captivates you from the first page to the last; I love it so much, I'm in the process of reading it for the seventh time as we speak...so you can probably guess how highly I recommend it!!Almost Heaven Overview

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One Dance with a Duke Review

One Dance with a Duke
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One Dance with a Duke ReviewIt's hard to pin down what makes a romance novel a keeper--different people like different things, and even if you can name all the things you like, you couldn't just patch them all together in one book and be guaranteed a novel you'll love. A keeper has an intangible quality, a certain something that makes the characters and the emotions feel real, even when you know intellectually that you are reading what amounts to, in terms of realism, a fairy tale.
This novel is definitely in my top 5, and I'm pretty picky. First of all, Tessa Dare's writing style is fantastic; it never veers into purple prose, the pacing is excellent, the dialogue clever. And she's a huge Jane Austen fan, apparently, since Amelia states early in the book she's "never seen a house so happily situated."
Amelia--she's one of the heroine greats. Not a perfect beauty, not a push over, not a "bluestocking," not insultingly vapid. She is flawed and quirky, without being annoying. Spencer is emotionally distant. What I liked about him was that he clearly loved her from the beginning, and their interests and personalities are compatible. There's a scene where he's reading and she's working her needlepoint, and they're sparring, and it feels like you're a fly on the wall--it's just so cozy and appealing. I did not find it frustrating that he was emotionally distant, I found it realistic and believable. He brings to mind Mr. Darcy, and Amelia, a la Elizabeth Bennet, draws him out. Of course, Austen would have written things differently without all the hot sex scenes. ;)
That brings me to another thing I liked about this Regency. The problems and external conflicts are not ridiculous, and they are fairly realistic to the time period. There are no gambling hells or kidnappings, no silly mysteries to solve. Wait! you say. Isn't this trilogy, at least in part, about a murder and a "stud club"? Well, yes, it is, and I was afraid Ms. Dare's second trilogy would devolve into some sort of mystery-driven Stephanie Laurens type mess, but it doesn't. It stays focused on the romance, and the murder with which the book begins provides just enough plot to bring certain characters together, drive others apart, and create a believable conflict.
Romance, character, and emotional realism are at the center of this romance. This is one to savor, because you won't read another one so good for awhile (until June 22, perhaps?). A great piece of escapist fiction that I never wanted to skim. I never rolled my eyes. I just enjoyed the whole blasted thing thoroughly.
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Mr. Darcy's Diary: A Novel Review

Mr. Darcy's Diary: A Novel
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Mr. Darcy's Diary: A Novel ReviewThe aspect of this novel by Amanda Grange which pleases me most is that she has been successful in turning Fitzwilliam Darcy into a flesh and blood man. Since Pride and Prejudice is essentially written from Elizabeth Bennet's point of view, at times I want an explanation of what Darcy is thinking. This book managed to do that for me. Even knowing that these words, thoughts and ideas do not come from Jane Austen, I am still completely satisfied with thinking "my" Mr. Darcy would have been like this. He was arrogant, he did believe in his own self-importance, he did interfere in Bingley's life. But, he also learned from Elizabeth and Bingley and the situations he found himself in that he could change. He didn't need to stay so stiff and formal. He could actually learn to tease and be teased and the world as he knew it would still remain on its axis.
I found this book to be slow going at first. I really didn't think I was going to be able to accept this Darcy as the same one who lives in my imagination. But a strange thing happened as I continued to read. I began to really like this man. Amanda Grange had made him a true, real, loveable person for me. As most of the other reviewers have said, I also am a huge fan of the Jane Austen books. Ms Grange does not try to be Jane Austen. She tries to be herself, giving us her version of how she thinks Fitzwilliam Darcy might have responded to his situations. I applaud her effort and recommend this book as a worthwhile read.
This is just a little extra information in case you get confused (as I did). This book came out in Britain in 2005 in hardcover and was titled DARCY'S DIARY. It has a full head portrait of Darcy on the cover, quite interesting but maybe just a little too feminine for "my" Darcy. The paperback was published in 2007 and is titled MR. DARCY'S DIARY. I, of course, was not careful and managed to buy them both. The paperback has only a partial portrait, probably because the publisher discovered that each of us has our own mental picture of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Both books are identical in every way except as I have stated. Now, my advice is to just read and enjoy one copy or the other.Mr. Darcy's Diary: A Novel Overview

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Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) Review

Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)
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Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) ReviewLiving on the fringes of society has never much bothered half-Gypsy half-Irish Cam Rohan. Until now. An unsettling feeling has slowly begun to take root over the past few years. He no longer enjoys things that once brought him pleasure. Instead he's bombarded with uncivilized urges, is easily provoked and short-tempered. The walls are closing in all around him. There's a fierce need in him to go back to his roots. To live in the open uninhibited ways of the Romany. To be free.
Amelia Hathaway bursts into his life making no apologies. She's a shabby gentlewoman whose the glue that holds together her quirky/misfit family. Someone who time and again takes up the reins and shoulders all the responsibility. A woman in need of rescue herself. One too afraid to rely on anyone.
Their paths cross constantly. Is it fate or balderdash? Whose to say what the future holds? Who needs to be rescued or shackled or set free? Or maybe a little of all the above?
I've been anxiously waiting for this book and I'm happy to say that I'm not disappointed. Cam is everything that I wanted him to be; a slightly roguish hero with a heart of gold. Amelia is the near historical equivalent of a super mom (with a brother and sisters instead of kids). She (practically) singlehandedly manages everyone and everything. An exhausting prospect. Both are restless and searching for peace that continues to elude them. That is, until they find each other.
Kleypas rounds out the book with a cast of delightful secondary characters. There's the old ones who make an appearance (Marcus, Lillian, Sebastian and Evie) and new ones that captured my attention and nearly stole the show. Amelia's sister Win and her relationship with Merripen (the Romany who has lived with them since he was twelve) is particularly intriguing. I can't wait for that sequel. As well as Amelia's depressed, dissolute brother whose reasons for being such tugged at this reader's heartstrings.
It almost goes without saying that Kleypas is superb romance author. You'll find well drawn characters, sizzling sexual tension and engrossing plots in almost all of her books. This one is no exception.
A good romance from a great writer. Won't replace Devil in Winter or Then Came You as my tops but a fine Kleypas to add to my collection.Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1) Overview

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Where Dreams Begin Review

Where Dreams Begin
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Where Dreams Begin ReviewAll I can say is that I am glad that I tried "one more" book by Lisa Kleypas. I tried 2 and didn't really like them, but after Where Dreams Begin, I am glad I persevered.
Lady Holly Taylor is a proper lady of her time, and a widow who truly mourns the loss of her husband, George. This in itself was great, since usually we have the widow who has never loved before, but Holly has, and when her heart is once again, awakened, this time to Zachary Bronson, she is shocked and saddened that she could betray George like that.
Zachary, meanwhile, can't forget the lady he mistakenly kissed in a darkened room and works it out so that Holly and her daughter Rose come to live with him, so they can teach him and his nouveau rich family proper manners and protocol.
As Holly struggles to maintain her distance from Zachary, she realizes that she is losing social standing by her close and scandalous association with this upstart who was once a fighter. Nevertheless, as she begins to fall in love with him and with his mother and sister, society doesn't matter to her anymore.
This was such a richly drawn book that I am looking forward to reading what I am told are Kleypas's even better books - Then Came You and Dreaming of You - Holly and Zachary are two truly well drawn characters who make the reader care for them. Rose is neither a brat nor a "precious" child, and Zachary's humble mother, unused to her new luxurious life, is really heartwarming. a secondary romance is written well enough to interest, but not overshadow the main romance.
I loved this book and recommend it wholeheartedly.Where Dreams Begin Overview

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Lord of Scoundrels Review

Lord of Scoundrels
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Lord of Scoundrels ReviewIt's a rare book that can sustain an average 5 star rating over 56 reviews (at least as of this writing)! This is one of those books that I'd heard about for years and seen in lots of favourites and Desert Island Keepers lists. It had been on my TBR shelf for several months and now I'm wondering what took me so long to read it - I loved it!
This really is the ultimate rake reformed story. Though I did not enjoy reading about Sebastian's unhappy childhood and torturous years at Eton, it had to be endured for the reader to understand the man he became. Seemingly without conscience, a man who uses people, considers women either bothersome (ladies) or sex objects (prostitutes), drinker, gambler and uncaring bad influence on younger, impressionable and less wealthy hangers-on. And one such hanger-on is Jessica Trent's idiot of a younger brother Bertie who is quickly going through the family's money in an effort to fit in and keep up with the infamous Marquess of Dain. Jessica and her grandmother have traveled to Paris determined to reclaim Bertie from Dain's destructive influence. But when Jessica actually meets Dain, she is frustrated and annoyed to discover that she is extremely attracted to the devil. What a bother! But she is still determined to extricate Bertie and forces a confrontation that he cannot ignore!
Upon meeting the delectable Miss Trent, Dain is no less attracted to Jessica and no more pleased about it. He's avoided society ladies for most of his adult life (ever since one tried to lure him into marriage for his money) and the only women he spends time with are prostitutes. But Jessica has quickly gotten under his skin and when they have several very public encounters that can only be described as scandalously inappropriate he is determined not to be brought to the altar. But he underestimates Jessica's need for justice and eventually gives in. If it's marriage to Lord Beelzebub she wants, so be it!
Of course neither expects much from this marriage, but both are pleasantly surprised. Jessica seems unflappable handling everything Dain throws her way with calm efficiency and confidence. Dain can't help but be impressed. And Dain slowly reveals himself to be quite human after all. So how can Jessica help but fall for him? But does this mean smooth sailing for this couple? Not likely!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I did not care for Dain at the start, but by the end I really liked him a lot. Especially in his dealings with his illegitimate son. Conversely I really like Jessica throughout. She's tough as nails, determined, witty and nothing gets her down. Actually, as others have pointed out, she may border on too perfect! A highly recommended read!Lord of Scoundrels Overview

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